Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Rajendra Agricultural University, Bihar Pusa (Samastipur)-848125
Analysis of gene effects was done using means of six generations, viz., P1 P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2 of six single crosses involving ten inbred lines of CIMMYT origin to determine the nature and magnitude of gene effects, governing yield and yield components. Additive gene effect was important in controlling most of the characters studied. Epistatic effects were predominant in shelling percentage, kernel vitreocity and yield. Duplicate type of epistasis was observed for grain yield per plant, kernel specific gravity, shelling percentage and kernel viterocity. Heterosis was observed for grain yield per plant, kernel specific gravity, shelling percentage and ear length whereas heterosis was observed alongwith inbreeding depression for yield and shelling percentage.
Maize, heterosis, inbreeding depression, gene effects, epistasis, QPM